Studying self-assembled monolayers devices using noise

Hybrid bottom up self-assembled nano-structures are attractive for future use in a variety of electronic components. Self-assembled hybrid organic/nano-crystals can couple quantum properties to semiconductor working devices and modify their functionality. For example, self-assembled monolayers (SAM) are used to passivate transistors, induce tunnel barriers for memory devices, and hybrid monolayers and quantum dot may serve as the active layer of quantum detectors. In our work we have developed a way to study the stability, the density and coupling of the self-assembled monolayers using noise measurements. These measurements show that charge transfer through alkyl monolayers, frequently used as elements of molecular electronic devices, is a complicated process that can evolve into unwanted noisy avalanche dynamics decimating the performance of practical devices. Lastly we showed that the hybrid system provides a flexible and controllable tool box for experimental studies of critical dynamics.